No-Heat, No-Burn Smoking Article

ABSTRACT

An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes at least one housing, a nozzle, a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material, a control component, and a transport element. The at least one housing may enclose a reservoir configured to retain an aerosol precursor composition. The nozzle may be coupled to the housing to discharge aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir. The control component may include a microprocessor coupled to and configured to drive the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material to vibrate and cause a discharge of components of the aerosol precursor composition and thereby produce an aerosol for inhalation by a user. And the transport element may be configured to control an amount of aerosol precursor composition delivered from the reservoir.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/719,178, filed on Dec. 18, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/433,833, filed on Jun. 6, 2019, which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/651,548, filed onJul. 17, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such assmoking articles that produce aerosol. The smoking articles may beconfigured to dispense an aerosol precursor, which may incorporatematerials that may be made or derived from, or otherwise incorporatetobacco, the precursor being capable of forming an inhalable substancefor human consumption.

BACKGROUND

Many devices have been proposed through the years as improvements upon,or alternatives to, smoking products that require combusting tobacco foruse. Many of those devices purportedly have been designed to provide thesensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking, butwithout delivering considerable quantities of incomplete combustion andpyrolysis products that result from the burning of tobacco. To this end,there have been proposed numerous alternative smoking products, flavorgenerators, and medicinal inhalers that utilize electrical energy tovaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt to provide thesensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without burning tobaccoto a significant degree. See, for example, the various alternativesmoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heat generating sourcesset forth in the background art described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 toCollett et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0255702 to Griffith Jr. etal., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2014/0096781 to Sears et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2014/0096782 to Ampolini et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0059780 toDavis et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/222,615 to Watsonet al., filed Jul. 28, 2016, all of which are incorporated herein byreference. See also, for example, the various implementations ofproducts and heating configurations described in the background sectionsof U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,594 to Counts et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,371to Robinson et al., which are incorporated by reference. Additionalexamples of smoking articles are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,574 toIngebrethsen, EP Pat. App. Pub. No. 1,618,803 to Hon, PCT Pat. App. Pub.No. WO 2012/062600 to Andersson et al., and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2015/0128974 to Hon, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

However, it may be desirable to provide aerosol delivery devices withimproved electronics such as may extend usability of the devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods offorming such devices, and elements of such devices. The presentdisclosure includes, without limitation, the following exampleimplementations.

Some example implementations provide an aerosol delivery devicecomprising at least one housing enclosing a reservoir configured toretain an aerosol precursor composition; a nozzle coupled to the housingto discharge aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir, thenozzle including a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material surrounding amesh; and a control component including a microprocessor coupled to andconfigured to drive the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material tovibrate and cause a discharge of components of the aerosol precursorcomposition through the mesh and thereby produce an aerosol forinhalation by a user, the components of the aerosol precursorcomposition discharged through the mesh having a diameter of less thanone micrometer.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of thepreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material has a resonantfrequency of up to 400 megahertz.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of thepreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material has a resonantfrequency of 1,000 kilohertz, and the mesh is a microelectromechanicalsystems (MEMS) device.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material has a resonantfrequency of 130 kilohertz, and the mesh is a stainless steel mesh.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the mesh has a curved surface.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the aerosol delivery device further comprises a power sourceconfigured to generate a voltage output, the power source being arechargeable battery having a nominal voltage between 3.7 and 4.1 volts,wherein the control component further includes a boost regulator betweenthe power source and an electrical load that includes the piezoelectricor piezomagnetic material, the boost regulator being configured to stepup the voltage output of the power source to a higher voltage, andwherein the microprocessor being configured to drive the piezoelectricor piezomagnetic material includes being configured to drive the boostregulator to output the higher voltage to power the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material to vibrate.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the control component further includes an electronic oscillatorcoupled to and between the microprocessor and piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material, and wherein the microprocessor being configuredto drive the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material includes beingconfigured to drive the electronic oscillator to produce a periodic,oscillating electronic signal to drive the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material at a resonant frequency thereof.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the microprocessor is configured to output a pulsing signal todrive the electronic oscillator to produce the periodic, oscillatingelectronic signal, the pulsing signal having a programmable duty cycle.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the microprocessor is configured to control the electronicoscillator to produce the periodic, oscillating electronic signal havinga frequency of 1,000 kilohertz that corresponds to the resonantfrequency of the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material is piezoelectricmaterial, and the electronic oscillator is electrically coupled to thepiezoelectric material and configured to produce the periodic,oscillating electronic signal to drive the piezoelectric material tovibrate.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material is piezomagneticmaterial, and the control component further includes a pair of magnetson either side of the piezomagnetic material; and a phase splitterconfigured to receive the periodic, oscillating electronic signal andproduce a pair of periodic, oscillating electronic signals that areantiphase, the phase splitter being configured to produce the pair ofperiodic, oscillating electronic signals to drive the pair of magnets toproduce periodic, oscillating magnetic fields that are antiphase andthereby drive the piezomagnetic material to vibrate. In some exampleimplementations of the aerosol delivery device of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, thecontrol component further includes a boost regulator between a powersource and an electrical load that includes the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material, the boost regulator being configured to step upa voltage output of the power source to a higher voltage; and anelectronic oscillator coupled to and between the boost regulator andpiezoelectric or piezomagnetic material, wherein the microprocessorbeing configured to drive the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic materialincludes being configured to drive the boost regulator to output thehigher voltage to power the electronic oscillator to produce a periodic,oscillating electronic signal to drive the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material to vibrate at a resonant frequency thereof.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the microprocessor is configured to output a pulsing signal todrive the boost regular and thereby the electronic oscillator to producethe periodic, oscillating electronic signal, the pulsing signal having aprogrammable duty cycle.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the microprocessor is configured to control the electronicoscillator to produce the periodic, oscillating electronic signal havinga frequency of 1,000 kilohertz that corresponds to the resonantfrequency of the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material is piezomagneticmaterial, and the control component further includes a pair of magnetson either side of the piezomagnetic material; and a phase splitterconfigured to receive the periodic, oscillating electronic signal andproduce a pair of periodic, oscillating electronic signals that areantiphase, the phase splitter being configured to produce the pair ofperiodic, oscillating electronic signals to drive the pair of magnets toproduce periodic, oscillating magnetic fields that are antiphase andthereby drive the piezomagnetic material to vibrate.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the aerosol delivery device further comprises the power sourceconfigured to generate the voltage output, the power source being arechargeable battery having a nominal voltage between 3.7 and 4.1 volts.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the aerosol delivery device further comprises a current sensorconfigured to measure electric current through the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material, wherein the microprocessor is configured tocontrol operation of at least one functional element of the aerosoldelivery device in response to the electric current so measured.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the aerosol delivery device further comprises a micro pumpproximate a reservoir side of the mesh to deliver aerosol precursorcomposition from the reservoir to the mesh for discharge of componentsthereof.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, aerosol precursor composition is delivered from the reservoirto the mesh for discharge of components thereof, and wherein the aerosoldelivery device further comprises a micro filter proximate a reservoirside of the mesh to filter the aerosol precursor composition deliveredfrom the reservoir to the mesh for discharge of components thereof.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the aerosol delivery device further comprises a micro pumpproximate a reservoir side of the mesh to deliver aerosol precursorcomposition from the reservoir to the mesh for discharge of componentsthereof; and a micro filter between the micro pump and the mesh tofilter the aerosol precursor composition delivered from the reservoir tothe mesh.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the aerosol precursor composition comprises glycerin andnicotine.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detaileddescription together with the accompanying drawings, which are brieflydescribed below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two,three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure,regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combinedor otherwise recited in a specific example implementation describedherein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such thatany separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of itsaspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable,unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is providedmerely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure.Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described exampleimplementations are merely examples and should not be construed tonarrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other exampleimplementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of some described example implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an aerosol delivery device including acartridge coupled to a control body, according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away view of the aerosol delivery deviceaccording to various example implementations; and

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate various elements of the aerosol deliverydevice according to various example implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to example implementations thereof. These exampleimplementations are described so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to thoseskilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theimplementations set forth herein; rather, these implementations areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” “the” and the like include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, while reference maybe made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationshipsor the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all ofthese may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptablevariations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerancesor the like.

As described hereinafter, example implementations of the presentdisclosure relate to aerosol delivery devices. Aerosol delivery devicesaccording to the present disclosure use electrical energy to dispense amaterial (preferably without combusting the material to any significantdegree) in the form of an inhalable substance; and components of suchsystems have the form of articles most preferably are sufficientlycompact to be considered hand-held devices. That is, use of componentsof preferred aerosol delivery devices does not result in the productionof smoke in the sense that aerosol results principally from by-productsof combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, use of thosepreferred systems results in the production of an aerosol resulting frompassage of certain components incorporated therein through a vibratingpiezoelectric or piezomagnetic mesh. In some example implementations,components of aerosol delivery devices may be characterized aselectronic cigarettes, and those electronic cigarettes most preferablyincorporate tobacco and/or components derived from tobacco, and hencedeliver tobacco derived components in aerosol form.

Aerosol generating pieces of certain preferred aerosol delivery devicesmay provide many of the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalationrituals, types of tastes or flavors, organoleptic effects, physicalfeel, use rituals, visual cues such as those provided by visibleaerosol, and the like) of smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe that isemployed by lighting and burning tobacco (and hence inhaling tobaccosmoke), without any substantial degree of combustion of any componentthereof. For example, the user of an aerosol generating piece of thepresent disclosure can hold and use that piece much like a smokeremploys a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of thatpiece for inhalation of aerosol produced by that piece, take or drawpuffs at selected intervals of time, and the like.

While the systems are generally described herein in terms ofimplementations associated with aerosol delivery devices such asso-called “e-cigarettes,” it should be understood that the mechanisms,components, features, and methods may be embodied in many differentforms and associated with a variety of articles. For example, thedescription provided herein may be employed in conjunction withimplementations of traditional smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes,cigars, pipes, etc.), heat-not-burn cigarettes, and related packagingfor any of the products disclosed herein. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that the description of the mechanisms, components, features,and methods disclosed herein are discussed in terms of implementationsrelating to aerosol delivery devices by way of example only, and may beembodied and used in various other products and methods.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure also can becharacterized as being vapor-producing articles or medicament deliveryarticles. Thus, such articles or devices can be adapted so as to provideone or more substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical activeingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalablesubstances can be substantially in the form of an aerosol (i.e., asuspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas).Alternatively, inhalable substances can be in the form of a vapor (i.e.,a substance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than itscritical point). For purposes of simplicity, the term “aerosol” as usedherein is meant to include aerosols, vapors and gases of a form or typesuitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whether ornot of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like.

In use, aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure may besubjected to many of the physical actions employed by an individual inusing a traditional type of smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar orpipe that is employed by lighting and inhaling tobacco). For example,the user of an aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure canhold that article much like a traditional type of smoking article, drawon one end of that article for inhalation of aerosol produced by thatarticle, take puffs at selected intervals of time, etc.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure generally include anumber of components provided within an outer body or shell, which maybe referred to as a housing. The overall design of the outer body orshell can vary, and the format or configuration of the outer body thatcan define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device canvary. Typically, an elongated body resembling the shape of a cigaretteor cigar can be a formed from a single, unitary housing or the elongatedhousing can be formed of two or more separable bodies. For example, anaerosol delivery device can comprise an elongated shell or body that canbe substantially tubular in shape and, as such, resemble the shape of aconventional cigarette or cigar. In one example, all of the componentsof the aerosol delivery device are contained within one housing.Alternatively, an aerosol delivery device can comprise two or morehousings that are joined and are separable. For example, an aerosoldelivery device can possess at one end a control body comprising ahousing containing one or more reusable components (e.g., an accumulatorsuch as a rechargeable battery and/or rechargeable supercapacitor, andvarious electronics for controlling the operation of that article), andat the other end and removably coupleable thereto, an outer body orshell containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposableflavor-containing cartridge). More specific formats, configurations andarrangements of components within the single housing type of unit orwithin a multi-piece separable housing type of unit will be evident inlight of the further disclosure provided herein. Additionally, variousaerosol delivery device designs and component arrangements can beappreciated upon consideration of the commercially-available electronicaerosol delivery devices.

Aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure most preferablycomprise some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical powersource), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating,controlling, regulating and ceasing power for aerosol disbursement, suchas by controlling electrical current flow the power source to othercomponents of the article—e.g., a microprocessor, individually or aspart of a microcontroller), a vibratable piezoelectric or piezomagneticmesh, which alone or in combination with one or more further elementsmay be commonly referred to as an “atomizer”, an aerosol precursorcomposition (e.g., commonly a liquid capable of yielding an aerosol upondisbursement through a vibrating piezoelectric or piezomagnetic mesh,such as ingredients commonly referred to as “smoke juice,” “e-liquid”and “e-juice”), and a mouthend region or tip for allowing draw upon theaerosol delivery device for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined airflowpath through the article such that aerosol generated can be withdrawntherefrom upon draw).

Alignment of the components within the aerosol delivery device of thepresent disclosure can vary. In specific implementations, the aerosolprecursor composition can be located near an end of the aerosol deliverydevice which may be configured to be positioned proximal to the mouth ofa user so as to maximize aerosol delivery to the user. Otherconfigurations, however, are not excluded. Generally, thepiezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh can be positioned sufficiently near theaerosol precursor composition so that when the mesh is vibrating, theaerosol precursor (as well as one or more flavorants, medicaments, orthe like that may likewise be provided for delivery to a user) is drawnthrough the mesh and forms an aerosol for delivery to the user. When theaerosol precursor composition is dispensed through the mesh, an aerosolis formed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable forinhalation by a consumer. It should be noted that the foregoing termsare meant to be interchangeable such that reference to release,releasing, releases, or released includes form or generate, forming orgenerating, forms or generates, and formed or generated. Specifically,an inhalable substance is released in the form of an aerosol or vapor ormixture thereof, wherein such terms are also interchangeably used hereinexcept where otherwise specified.

As noted above, the aerosol delivery device may incorporate a battery orother electrical power source to provide current flow sufficient toprovide various functionalities to the aerosol delivery device, such aspowering of a piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh, powering of controlsystems, powering of indicators, and the like. The power source can takeon various implementations. Preferably, the power source is able todeliver sufficient power to cause the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic meshto rapidly vibrate to provide for aerosol formation and power theaerosol delivery device through use for a desired duration of time. Thepower source preferably is sized to fit conveniently within the aerosoldelivery device so that the aerosol delivery device can be easilyhandled. Additionally, a preferred power source is of a sufficientlylight weight to not detract from a desirable smoking experience.

More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of componentswithin the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure will beevident in light of the further disclosure provided hereinafter.Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol deliverydevice components can be appreciated upon consideration ofcommercially-available electronic aerosol delivery devices. Furtherinformation regarding formats, configurations and arrangements ofcomponents within the aerosol delivery devices of the presentdisclosure, as well as commercially-available electronic aerosoldelivery devices, may be found in PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 2015/168588to Ademe et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/291,771 to Suret al., filed Oct. 12, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an aerosol delivery device 100including a control body 102 and a cartridge 104, according to variousexample implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1illustrates the control body and the cartridge coupled to one another.The control body and the cartridge may be detachably aligned in afunctioning relationship. Various mechanisms may connect the cartridgeto the control body to result in a threaded engagement, a press-fitengagement, an interference fit, a magnetic engagement or the like. Theaerosol delivery device may be substantially rod-like, substantiallytubular shaped, or substantially cylindrically shaped in some exampleimplementations when the cartridge and the control body are in anassembled configuration. The aerosol delivery device may also besubstantially rectangular, rhomboidal or triangular in cross-section,multifaceted shapes, or the like, some of which may lend itself togreater compatibility with a substantially flat or thin-film powersource, such as a power source including a flat battery.

The control body 102 and cartridge 104 may include separate, respectivehousings or outer bodies, which may be formed of any of a number ofdifferent materials. The housing may be formed of any suitable,structurally-sound material. In some examples, the housing may be formedof a metal or alloy, such as stainless steel, aluminum or the like.Other suitable materials include various plastics (e.g., polycarbonate),metal-plating over plastic, ceramics and the like.

In some example implementations, one or both of the control body 102 orthe cartridge 104 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be referred toas being disposable or as being reusable. For example, the control bodymay have a replaceable battery, rechargeable battery (e.g., rechargeablethin-film solid state battery) or rechargeable supercapacitor, and thusmay be combined with any type of recharging technology, includingconnection to a typical wall outlet, connection to a car charger (i.e.,a cigarette lighter receptacle), connection to a computer, such asthrough a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector, connection to aphotovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or solar panelof solar cells, wireless connection to a Radio Frequency (RF), wirelessconnection to induction-based charging pads, or connection to a RF-to-DCconverter.

FIG. 2 more particularly illustrates the aerosol delivery device 100, inaccordance with some example implementations. As seen in the cut-awayview illustrated therein, again, the aerosol delivery device cancomprise a control body 102 and a cartridge 104 each of which include anumber of respective components. The components illustrated in FIG. 2are representative of the components that may be present in a controlbody and cartridge and are not intended to limit the scope of componentsthat are encompassed by the present disclosure. As shown, for example,the control body can be formed of a control body shell 206 that caninclude a control component 208 (e.g., a microprocessor, individually oras part of a microcontroller), an input device 210, a power source 212and one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 214, quantum dot enabledLEDs or the like, and such components can be variably aligned. Examplesof a suitable control component include the PIC16(L)F1713/6microcontrollers from Microchip Technology Inc., which is described inMicrochip Technology, Inc., AN2265, Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer ReferenceDesign (2016), which is incorporated by reference. The input device maybe or include, for example, a switch that may be implemented in a numberof different manners, such as a push button, or a touch switch or othertouch sensitive surface. In some example implementations, the inputdevice may include a flow sensor configured to detect a user drawing onthe aerosol delivery device.

The power source 212 may include, for example, a battery (single-use orrechargeable), rechargeable supercapacitor, rechargeable solid-statebattery (SSB), rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB) or the like, orsome combination thereof. Some examples of a suitable power source areprovided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/918,926 to Sur et al.,filed Oct. 21, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. Otherexamples of a suitable power source are provided in U.S. Pat. App. Pub.No. 2014/0283855 to Hawes et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0014125to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0243410 to Nichols etal., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0313901 to Fernando et al., and U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/0230117 to Fernando et al., all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

The LED 214 may be one example of a suitable visual indicator with whichthe aerosol delivery device 100 may be equipped. Other indicators suchas audio indicators (e.g., speakers), haptic indicators (e.g., vibrationmotors) or the like can be included in addition to or as an alternativeto visual indicators such as the LED, quantum dot enabled LEDs.

The cartridge 104 can be formed of a cartridge shell 216 enclosing areservoir 218 configured to retain the aerosol precursor composition,and including a nozzle 220 having a piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh. Invarious configurations, this structure may be referred to as a tank; andaccordingly, the terms “cartridge,” “tank” and the like may be usedinterchangeably to refer to a shell or other housing enclosing areservoir for aerosol precursor composition, and including a nozzle.

The reservoir 218 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be a container or can be afibrous reservoir, as presently described. The reservoir may be in fluidcommunication with the nozzle 220 for transport of an aerosol precursorcomposition stored in the reservoir housing to the nozzle. An opening222 may be present in the cartridge shell 216 (e.g., at the mouthend) toallow for egress of formed aerosol from the cartridge 104.

In some examples, a transport element may be positioned between thereservoir 218 and nozzle 220, and configured to control an amount ofaerosol precursor composition passed or delivered from the reservoir tothe nozzle. In some examples, a microfluidic chip may be embedded in thecartridge 104, and the amount and/or mass of aerosol precursorcomposition delivered from the reservoir may be controlled by one ormore microfluidic components. One example of a microfluidic component isa micro pump 224, such as one based on microelectromechanical systems(MEMS) technology. Examples of suitable micro pumps include the modelMDP2205 micro pump and others from thinXXS Microtechnology AG, the mp5and mp6 model micro pumps and others from Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH, andpiezoelectric micro pumps from Takasago Fluidic Systems.

As also shown, in some examples, a micro filter 226 may be positionedbetween the micro pump 224 and nozzle 220 to filter aerosol precursorcomposition delivered to the nozzle. Like the micro pump, the microfilter is a microfluidic component. Examples of suitable micro filtersinclude flow-through micro filters those manufactured usinglab-on-a-chip (LOC) techniques.

In use, when the input device 210 detects user input to activate theaerosol delivery device, the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh isactivated to vibrate and thereby draw aerosol precursor compositionthrough the mesh. This forms droplets of aerosol precursor compositionthat combine with air to form an aerosol. The aerosol is whisked,aspirated or otherwise drawn away from the mesh and out the opening 224in the mouthend of the aerosol delivery device.

In some examples, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include a numberof additional software-controlled functions. For example, the aerosoldelivery device may include a power-source protection circuit configuredto detect power-source input, loads on the power-source terminals, andcharging input. The power-source protection circuit may includeshort-circuit protection, under-voltage lock out and/or over-voltagecharge protection, battery temperature compensation. The aerosoldelivery device may also include components for ambient temperaturemeasurement, and its control component 208 may be configured to controlat least one functional element to inhibit power-sourcecharging—particularly of any battery—if the ambient temperature is belowa certain temperature (e.g., 0° C.) or above a certain temperature(e.g., 45° C.) prior to start of charging or during charging.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, power delivery from thepower source 212 may vary over the course of each puff on the aerosoldelivery device 100 according to a power control mechanism. The devicemay include a “long puff” safety timer such that in the event that auser or component failure (e.g., input device 210) causes the aerosoldelivery device to attempt to puff continuously, the control component208 may control at least one functional element to terminate the puffautomatically after some period of time (e.g., four seconds). Further,the time between puffs on the aerosol delivery device may be restrictedto less than a period of time (e.g., 100 seconds). A watchdog safetytimer may automatically reset the aerosol delivery device if its controlcomponent or software running on it becomes unstable and does notservice the timer within an appropriate time interval (e.g., eightseconds). Further safety protection may be provided in the event of adefective or otherwise failed input device 210, such as by permanentlydisabling the aerosol delivery device in order to prevent inadvertentdispensing of aerosol. A puffing limit switch may deactivate the devicein the event of an input device fail causing the device to continuouslyactivate without stopping after the four second maximum puff time.

The aerosol delivery device 100 may include a puff tracking algorithmconfigured to lockout the nozzle 220 from dispensing aerosol once adefined number of puffs has been achieved for an attached cartridge(based on the number of available puffs calculated in light of thee-liquid charge in the cartridge). The aerosol delivery device mayinclude a sleep, standby or low-power mode function whereby powerdelivery may be automatically cut off after a defined period of non-use.Further safety protection may be provided in that all charge/dischargecycles of the power source 212 may be monitored by the control component208 over its lifetime. After the power source has attained theequivalent of a predetermined number (e.g., 200) of full discharge andfull recharge cycles, it may be declared depleted, and the controlcomponent may control at least one functional element to prevent furthercharging of the power source.

The various components of an aerosol delivery device according to thepresent disclosure can be chosen from components described in the artand commercially available. Examples of batteries that can be usedaccording to the disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,484,155 toPeckerar et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

The aerosol delivery device 100 can incorporate the input device 210such as a switch, sensor or detector for control of supply of electricpower to the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh of the nozzle 220 whenaerosol generation is desired (e.g., upon draw during use). As such, forexample, there is provided a manner or method of turning off power tothe mesh when the aerosol delivery device is not being drawn upon duringuse, and for turning on power to actuate or trigger the dispensing ofaerosol from the nozzle during draw. Additional representative types ofsensing or detection mechanisms, structure and configuration thereof,components thereof, and general methods of operation thereof, aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Pat. No.5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., and PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO2010/003480 to Flick, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The aerosol delivery device 100 most preferably incorporates the controlcomponent 208 or another control mechanism for controlling the amount ofelectric power to the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic mesh during draw.Representative types of electronic components, structure andconfiguration thereof, features thereof, and general methods ofoperation thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth etal., U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148to McCafferty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 toPan, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 8,881,737 to Collet et al., U.S. Pat. No.9,423,152 to Ampolini et al., U.S. Pat. No. 9,439,454 to Fernando etal., and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0257445 to Henry et al., all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

Representative types of substrates, reservoirs or other components forsupporting the aerosol precursor are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,528,569 to Newton, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman etal., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0059780 to Davis et al., and U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2015/0216232 to Bless et al., all of which areincorporated herein by reference. Additionally, various wickingmaterials, and the configuration and operation of those wickingmaterials within certain types of electronic cigarettes, are set forthin U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,640 to Sears et al., which is incorporated hereinby reference.

The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursorcomposition, may comprise a variety of components including, by way ofexample, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol or amixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract and/or flavorants.In some examples, the aerosol precursor composition comprises glycerinand nicotine. Representative types of aerosol precursor components andformulations also are set forth and characterized in U.S. Pat. No.7,217,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 9,254,002 to Chong et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No.2013/0008457 to Zheng et al., U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0020823 toLipowicz et al., and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0020830 to Koller, as wellas PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al., and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/222,615 to Watson et al., filed Jul. 28,2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.Other aerosol precursors that may be employed include the aerosolprecursors that have been incorporated in the VUSE® product by R. J.Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLU™ product by Imperial Tobacco Group PLC,the MISTIC MENTHOL product by Mistic Ecigs, and the VYPE product by CNCreative Ltd. Also desirable are the so-called “smoke juices” forelectronic cigarettes that have been available from Johnson CreekEnterprises LLC.

Implementations of effervescent materials can be used with the aerosolprecursor, and are described, by way of example, in U.S. Pat. App. Pub.No. 2012/0055494 to Hunt et al., which is incorporated herein byreference. Further, the use of effervescent materials is described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,639,368 to Niazi et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,178,878 to Wehling et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,264 to Wehling et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,590 to Pather et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,381,667 toBergquist et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,424,541 to Crawford et al., and U.S.Pat. No. 8,627,828 to Strickland et al., as well as U.S. Pat. No.9,307,787 to Sun et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0018539 toBrinkley et al., and PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 97/06786 to Johnson etal., all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Additionaldescription with respect to implementations of aerosol precursorcompositions, including description of tobacco or components derivedfrom tobacco included therein, is provided in U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 15/216,582 and 15/216,590, each filed Jul. 21, 2016 and eachto Davis et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

Additional representative types of components that yield visual cues orindicators may be employed in the aerosol delivery device 100, such asvisual indicators and related components, audio indicators, hapticindicators and the like. Examples of suitable LED components, and theconfigurations and uses thereof, are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,766 to Newton, U.S.Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,451,791 to Searset al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Yet other features, controls or components that can be incorporated intoaerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkinset al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No.6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon, U.S.Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2005/0016550 to Katase, U.S. Pat. No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al., U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al., U.S. Pat. No.9,427,022 to Leven et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0180553 to Kimet al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 to Sebastian et al., U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al., and U.S. Pat. No.9,220,302 to DePiano et al., all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

In some examples, the control component 208 includes a number ofelectronic components, and in some examples may be formed on anelectronic printed circuit board (PCB) that supports and electricallyconnects the electronic components. The electronic components mayinclude a microprocessor or processor core, and a memory. In someexamples, the control component may include a microcontroller withintegrated processor core and memory, and may further include one ormore integrated input/output peripherals. In some examples, the controlcomponent may be coupled to a communication interface 228 to enablewireless communication with one or more networks, computing devices orother appropriately-enabled devices. Examples of suitable communicationinterfaces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2016/0261020 toMarion et al., the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.Another example of a suitable communication interface is the CC3200single chip wireless microcontroller unit (MCU) from Texas Instruments.And examples of suitable manners according to which the aerosol deliverydevice may be configured to wirelessly communicate are disclosed in U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2016/0007651 to Ampolini et al., and U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. 2016/0219933 to Henry, Jr. et al., each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate various elements of the aerosol delivery device100, according to various example implementations. As shown, the controlcomponent 208 may include a microprocessor 330, boost regulator 332 andelectronic oscillator 334. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, thenozzle 220 includes a piezoelectric material 336 surrounding a mesh 338.In other examples, as shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle includes apiezomagnetic material 436 surrounding a mesh 338, and the controlcomponent further includes a phase splitter 440, and a pair of magnets442 (e.g., permanent magnets, electromagnets) on either side of thepiezomagnetic material. In one example, the electronic oscillator andphase splitter may be implemented by a push-pull transformer driver suchas the MAX13253 push-pull transformer driver from Maxim Integrated.These and perhaps other electrical components, such as resistors,capacitors, switches and the like, may be coupled with the input device210 and power source 212 to form an electrical circuit.

In some examples, the power source 212 is a rechargeable battery (e.g.,LiB) having a nominal voltage between 3.7 and 4.1 volts. In someexamples, a buck-boost converter is connected to the power source 212,between the power source and its load. The buck-boost converter enablessufficient current out of the battery to drive thepiezoelectric/piezomagnetic material 336/436 to vibrate, even atvoltages down to 2.7 volts. This in turn facilitates use of more outputfrom a single charge of the power source, and greater efficiency for itsoutput. One example of a suitable buck-boost converter is the ADP1614model step-up, DC-to-DC converter from Analog Devices.

Briefly looking back to FIG. 2, in examples including the micro pump224, the micro pump is proximate a reservoir side of the mesh 338 todeliver aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir to the mesh fordischarge of components thereof. Similarly, in examples including themicro filter 226, the micro filter is proximate a reservoir side of themesh to filter the aerosol precursor composition delivered from thereservoir to the mesh for discharge of components thereof. And inexamples including both the micro pump and micro filter, the microfilter is between the micro pump and the mesh to filter the aerosolprecursor composition delivered from the reservoir to the mesh.

Returning to FIGS. 3 and 4, the microprocessor 330 is coupled to andconfigured to drive the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic material 336/436 tovibrate and cause a discharge of components of aerosol precursorcomposition (from the reservoir 218) through the mesh 338 and therebyproduce an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol delivery device100 may therefore produce an aerosol for inhalation without a heater orheating element to heat and thereby volatilize the aerosol precursor toform an aerosol.

According to example implementations of the present disclosure, thecomponents of aerosol precursor composition discharged through the mesh338 have a diameter of less than one micrometer. In some examples, thepiezoelectric/piezomagnetic material 336/436 has a resonant frequency ofup to 400 megahertz. In some examples, the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material has a resonant frequency of 1,000 kilohertz (upto 400 megahertz), and the mesh is a MEMS device. In other examples, thepiezoelectric/piezomagnetic material has a resonant frequency of 130kilohertz (up to 400 megahertz), and the mesh is a stainless steel mesh.And in some examples, the mesh has a curved surface.

The boost regulator 332 is between the power source 212 and anelectrical load that includes the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic material336/436. The boost regulator is configured to step up the voltage outputof the power source to a higher voltage, and the microprocessor 330 isconfigured to drive the boost regulator to output the higher voltage topower the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic to vibrate.

The electronic oscillator 334 is coupled to and between themicroprocessor 330 and piezoelectric/piezomagnetic material 336/436, andthe microprocessor is configured to drive the electronic oscillator toproduce a periodic, oscillating electronic signal to drive thepiezoelectric/piezomagnetic material at a resonant frequency thereof. Insome examples, the microprocessor is configured to output a pulsingsignal to drive the electronic oscillator to produce the periodic,oscillating electronic signal, with the pulsing signal having aprogrammable duty cycle. The frequency of the periodic, oscillatingelectronic signal depends on the duty cycle, and by programming the dutycycle, the frequency periodic, oscillating electronic signal maylikewise be programmed to allow use of piezoelectric/piezomagneticmaterials with different resonant frequencies. In some examples, themicroprocessor is configured to control the electronic oscillator toproduce the periodic, oscillating electronic signal having a frequencyof 1,000 kilohertz (up to 400 megahertz) that corresponds to theresonant frequency of the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic material.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the electronic oscillator 334 iselectrically coupled to piezoelectric material 336 and configured toproduce the periodic, oscillating electronic signal to drive thepiezoelectric material to vibrate. In other examples, as shown in FIG.4, the phase splitter 440 configured to receive the periodic,oscillating electronic signal from the electronic oscillator and producea pair of periodic, oscillating electronic signals that are antiphase(i.e., 180 degrees apart). In these other examples, the phase splitteris configured to produce the pair of periodic, oscillating electronicsignals to drive the pair of magnets 442 to produce periodic,oscillating magnetic fields that are antiphase and thereby drive thepiezomagnetic material 436 to vibrate.

In examples including both the boost regulator 332 and the electronicoscillator 334, the electronic oscillator is coupled to and between theboost regulator and piezoelectric/piezomagnetic material 336/436. Inthese examples, the microprocessor 330 is configured to drive the boostregulator to output the higher voltage to power the electronicoscillator to produce a periodic, oscillating electronic signal to drivethe piezoelectric/piezomagnetic material to vibrate at a resonantfrequency thereof. In some examples, the microprocessor is configured tooutput a pulsing signal to drive the boost regular and thereby theelectronic oscillator to produce the periodic, oscillating electronicsignal, with the pulsing signal having a programmable duty cycle. And insome examples, the microprocessor is configured to control theelectronic oscillator to produce the periodic, oscillating electronicsignal having a frequency of 1,000 kilohertz (up to 400 megahertz) thatcorresponds to the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric/piezomagneticmaterial.

In some examples, as shown in FIG. 5, the control component 208 furtherincludes a current sensor 544 configured to measure electric currentthrough the piezoelectric/piezomagnetic material 336/436. In the case ofthe piezomagnetic material, an additional electric current provided tothe material, such as from the microprocessor 330 through an additionalresistor to limit the additional electric current. Examples of suitablecurrent sensors include current-sense resistors, Hall effect currentsensors and the like. In these examples, the current sensor may beconnected to the microprocessor, which may be configured to control atleast one functional element of the aerosol delivery device 100 based onthe measured electric current. In at least some examples, themicroprocessor may be configured to cut off the power supply in aninstance in which the electric current is above or below a thresholdlevel indicative of a defective nozzle 220.

The foregoing description of use of the article(s) can be applied to thevarious example implementations described herein through minormodifications, which can be apparent to the person of skill in the artin light of the further disclosure provided herein. The abovedescription of use, however, is not intended to limit the use of thearticle but is provided to comply with all necessary requirements ofdisclosure of the present disclosure. Any of the elements shown in thearticle(s) illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 or as otherwise described above maybe included in an aerosol delivery device according to the presentdisclosure.

Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thisdisclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specificimplementations disclosed, and that modifications and otherimplementations are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe example implementations in the context ofcertain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative implementations without departing from thescope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: at leastone housing enclosing a reservoir configured to retain an aerosolprecursor composition; an opening defined in the housing; apiezoelectric or piezomagnetic material; a control component including amicroprocessor coupled to and configured to drive the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material to vibrate and cause a discharge of components ofthe aerosol precursor composition to thereby produce an aerosol; and atransport element configured to deliver an amount of aerosol precursorcomposition from the reservoir to the piezoelectric or piezomagneticmaterial.
 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the aerosolis configured to be whisked, aspirated, or otherwise drawn away throughthe opening.
 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein thetransport element comprises a micro pump configured to deliver aerosolprecursor composition from the reservoir.
 4. The aerosol delivery deviceof claim 1, wherein the transport element is positioned proximate areservoir side of the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material.
 5. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 4, wherein the aerosol delivery devicefurther comprises a micro filter configured to filter the aerosolprecursor composition delivered from the reservoir.
 6. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 1, wherein the control component furtherincludes an electronic oscillator coupled to and between themicroprocessor and piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material, and whereinthe microprocessor being configured to drive the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material includes being configured to drive the electronicoscillator to produce a periodic, oscillating electronic signal to drivethe piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material at a resonant frequencythereof.
 7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein themicroprocessor is configured to output a pulsing signal to drive theelectronic oscillator to produce the periodic, oscillating electronicsignal, the pulsing signal having a programmable duty cycle.
 8. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the microprocessor isconfigured to control the electronic oscillator to produce the periodic,oscillating electronic signal having a frequency of 1,000 kilohertz thatcorresponds to the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material.
 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6,wherein the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material is piezoelectricmaterial, and the electronic oscillator is electrically coupled to thepiezoelectric material and configured to produce the periodic,oscillating electronic signal to drive the piezoelectric material tovibrate.
 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein thepiezoelectric or piezomagnetic material is piezomagnetic material, andthe control component further includes: a pair of magnets on either sideof the piezomagnetic material; and a phase splitter configured toreceive the periodic, oscillating electronic signal and produce a pairof periodic, oscillating electronic signals that are antiphase, thephase splitter being configured to produce the pair of periodic,oscillating electronic signals to drive the pair of magnets to produceperiodic, oscillating magnetic fields that are antiphase and therebydrive the piezomagnetic material to vibrate.
 11. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 1 further comprising a current sensor configured tomeasure electric current through the piezoelectric or piezomagneticmaterial, wherein the microprocessor is configured to control operationof at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device inresponse to the electric current so measured.
 12. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic materialsurrounds a mesh.
 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, whereinthe mesh has a curved surface.
 14. An aerosol delivery devicecomprising: at least one housing enclosing a reservoir configured toretain an aerosol precursor composition; an opening defined in thehousing; a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material; a control componentincluding a microprocessor coupled to and configured to drive thepiezoelectric or piezomagnetic material to vibrate and cause a dischargeof components of the aerosol precursor composition through the opening;a boost regulator between a power source and an electrical load thatincludes the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material, the boostregulator being configured to step up a voltage output of the powersource to a higher voltage; and an electronic oscillator coupled to andbetween the boost regulator and piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material,wherein the microprocessor being configured to drive the piezoelectricor piezomagnetic material includes being configured to drive the boostregulator to output the higher voltage to power the electronicoscillator to produce a periodic, oscillating electronic signal to drivethe piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material to vibrate at a resonantfrequency thereof.
 15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14, whereinthe aerosol is configured to be whisked, aspirated, or otherwise drawnaway through the opening.
 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14,wherein the microprocessor is configured to output a pulsing signal todrive the boost regular and thereby the electronic oscillator to producethe periodic, oscillating electronic signal, the pulsing signal having aprogrammable duty cycle.
 17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14,wherein the microprocessor is configured to control the electronicoscillator to produce the periodic, oscillating electronic signal havinga frequency of 1,000 kilohertz that corresponds to the resonantfrequency of the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material.
 18. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 14, wherein the piezoelectric orpiezomagnetic material is piezomagnetic material, and the controlcomponent further includes: a pair of magnets on either side of thepiezomagnetic material; and a phase splitter configured to receive theperiodic, oscillating electronic signal and produce a pair of periodic,oscillating electronic signals that are antiphase, the phase splitterbeing configured to produce the pair of periodic, oscillating electronicsignals to drive the pair of magnets to produce periodic, oscillatingmagnetic fields that are antiphase and thereby drive the piezomagneticmaterial to vibrate.
 19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14 furthercomprising the power source configured to generate the voltage output,the power source being a rechargeable battery having a nominal voltagebetween 3.7 and 4.1 volts.
 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14further comprising a current sensor configured to measure electriccurrent through the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material, wherein themicroprocessor is configured to control operation of at least onefunctional element of the aerosol delivery device in response to theelectric current so measured.
 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim14 further comprising: a micro pump proximate a reservoir side of thepiezoelectric or piezomagnetic material to deliver aerosol precursorcomposition from the reservoir to the piezoelectric or piezomagneticmaterial for discharge of components thereof; and a micro filter betweenthe micro pump and the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material to filterthe aerosol precursor composition delivered from the reservoir to thepiezoelectric or piezomagnetic material.
 22. The aerosol delivery deviceof claim 14, wherein the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic materialsurrounds a mesh.